UK Sacks Ambassador Mandelson Over Epstein Email Revelations

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Peter Mandelson from his role as ambassador to the United States following revelations of Mandelson's supportive communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emails surfaced showing Mandelson encouraged Epstein to be resilient and fight for early release while Epstein faced jail for sex offences, which Downing Street described as "reprehensible." The Foreign Office stated that the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was materially different from what was known at the time of his appointment, prompting his immediate withdrawal as ambassador. This decision comes amid increasing pressure from British Labour MPs and public scrutiny ahead of US President Donald Trump's upcoming state visit, who also faces questions regarding his ties to Epstein. The controversy has sparked calls for Mandelson’s removal from other ceremonial roles, highlighting the political and diplomatic challenges the UK government now faces. Mandelson’s connections with Epstein and the timing of the sacking have become a significant political issue for Starmer’s administration.